Zurich is the most expensive city to stay in Europe. Travelers spend more here on average each day than in any other European city. Costs are high across the board—hotels, meals, transportation, and daily expenses all add up quickly.
A budget traveler can expect to spend around $164 per day, which is much more than what you’d pay in other popular destinations like Paris or Amsterdam. Zurich’s high prices reflect the overall cost of living in Switzerland, one of the most expensive countries in Europe.
Even simple things like public transport or a quick meal cost more than most travelers expect. While cities like Edinburgh and Amsterdam are also pricey in certain areas, Zurich still leads in total daily travel costs.
This guide breaks down where your money goes and what to expect if you’re planning to visit Europe’s priciest city.
Zurich: A beautiful but costly place to visit
Zurich is a clean, safe, and stunning city. It’s surrounded by mountains, sits next to a peaceful lake, and has a great mix of nature and city life. The streets are spotless, the trains run on time, and the views are amazing.
But here’s the catch: everything is expensive. The food, the hotels, the drinks, and even the simple stuff—like taking a tram or buying a snack—cost more than almost anywhere else in Europe.
That’s why Zurich is ranked as the most expensive city to stay in Europe.
What does a day in Zurich cost?
Let’s get into the numbers. According to the European Backpacker Price Index for 2025, the average daily cost for a traveler in Zurich is about $164. That includes a night in a budget place to sleep, basic food, a few drinks, and public transportation.
Now compare that to cities like Prague, Lisbon, or Krakow, where daily costs can be half of that, or even less. Even cities like Paris or Rome feel more affordable once you start adding things up.
This is why Zurich holds the top spot when you ask what is the most expensive city to stay in Europe.
Where does your money go in Zurich?
Hotels and accommodations
Let’s say you want to stay in a simple 3-star hotel. In Zurich, that will likely cost you over $200 a night. Even a bed in a shared hostel room can go for $60 to $100.
That’s a lot, especially if you’re used to paying $20 to $30 in other European cities. You’re not getting a luxury experience for that price—it’s just what things cost in Zurich.
Food and drinks
Food is another big cost. A casual meal at a sit-down restaurant might be around $40 per person.
Want to grab a burger or sandwich with a drink? That could still cost $15 or more. Even stopping for coffee and a pastry in the morning can easily be $10.
If you want to save money, you might need to shop at grocery stores like Coop or Migros. There, you can pick up a sandwich or salad for about $8 to $12. But even then, it’s not exactly cheap.
Getting around the city
Public transportation is great in Zurich. The trams, buses, and trains are clean and easy to use. But they aren’t cheap.
A single ride on a tram or bus is about $4.50. A 24-hour ticket costs around $9. And if you want to take a train to a nearby town or the airport, prices go up quickly.
All of this adds to the cost of your stay, which helps explain why Zurich is the most expensive city to stay in Europe.
How Zurich compares to other expensive cities
Zurich isn’t the only expensive place in Europe, but it still tops the list. Let’s look at a couple of other cities people often ask about.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for being beautiful, fun, and full of history. But it’s also the most expensive city to rent a place in Europe.
If you’re staying long-term, it’ll cost you. But for a short trip, Amsterdam is a little easier on your wallet than Zurich. Meals and transportation cost less, and budget hotels can still be found.
So while Amsterdam is pricey, it’s not as expensive for travelers as Zurich.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh has become one of the most expensive city break spots in Western Europe. Hotel prices have gone up, and eating out isn’t cheap.
But even in peak season, you can spend less in Edinburgh than you would in Zurich. You can grab pub food for $15 and book solid hotels for $150 or less per night. That’s still a lot, but again, Zurich is higher across the board.
That’s why, when you look at all daily travel costs, Zurich remains the most expensive city to stay in Europe.
Real example: A weekend in Zurich
Let’s say you’re in Zurich for two nights. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might spend without going overboard:
- Two nights at a 3-star hotel: $400
- Public transport for two days: $18
- Breakfast from a bakery: $20 total
- Two casual lunches: $50
- Two dinners with drinks: $120
- Coffee or snacks: $20
- One small activity or museum: $20
Total: Around $650 for a short, basic trip.
That doesn’t include souvenirs, airport transfers, or anything fancy. You can see how fast it adds up. This is exactly why Zurich is the most expensive city in Europe. Even the basics cost more than in other places.
Why is Zurich so expensive?
It’s not just about tourism. Switzerland as a whole has very high living costs. Rent is high. Groceries are expensive. Salaries are higher than in many other countries, so everything is priced to match.
Travelers aren’t being overcharged—locals pay those prices too. The country also has strong rules that protect wages and businesses, which helps keep the economy stable, but also makes things more expensive.
So when you visit Zurich, you’re stepping into a country that’s just naturally pricey. And that’s why Zurich continues to be the most expensive city to stay in Europe.
Should you still visit Zurich?
Honestly? Yes, if you can afford it.
Zurich is beautiful, clean, and easy to explore. The lake is great for a walk or a boat ride. There are great museums, cozy cafés, and nearby mountains that are perfect for day trips. It’s peaceful, the people are friendly, and everything runs like clockwork.
But you need to be ready to spend money. If you go expecting deals, you’ll be disappointed. If you know what to expect, you’ll enjoy your time more. You don’t have to go all out. You can plan ahead and set a clear budget.
Even though Zurich is the most expensive city to stay in Europe, it can still be a great part of your trip. Just make sure you plan carefully and know what you’re walking into.
Planning a trip to Zurich? Let us help!
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